Joseph Conrad’s Lord Jim, which was one of the set texts for my English literature A-level. I have almost finished it.
Which book are you ashamed not to have read?
Question
What would you like to be remembered for?
Death & what remains
Question
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Failure & regret
Question
How close have you come to death?
Death & what remains
Question
Which trait do you most dislike in yourself?
Identity & self
Question
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Daily life
Question
What is the worst thing anyone has said to you?
Failure & regret
Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
I feel no shame about not reading a book. That’s silly.
The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗
Others on this question
View all 35 →This year, I was asked to be a judge for the Women’s prize for fiction and I’ve read 75 books in six months, so I’m parking shame for the time being.
Ulysses by James Joyce, but I might make a start next week – or the week after that …
My new year resolution is actually to read all the classics and I’m ashamed that I haven’t read everything by the Brontë sisters.
More from Siobhán McSweeney
View profile →As Tilda Swinton in a fat suit.
Politics. And casting directors.
Physically, falling off my bike two years ago. Emotionally, when my mother died when I was 27.
Appearing angry when I’m not angry.
A better knee and better lungs.
“Sorry, I don’t mean to insult you, but did you know you look a bit like that actress Siobhán McSweeney?”
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